Walking Wednesdays begin on June 1

Monday, May 23, 2011

Do you like to walk for exercise, but are looking for someone to walk with or aren't sure of good places to go to walk safely? Or perhaps you've been thinking about exercising more but just haven't been able to get yourself motivated to start. Then why not join others in the community for Walking Wednesdays each Wednesday this summer.

All residents of Putnam County are invited to join others in the community to walk or run each Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. on a different trail or local pathway. Walking Wednesdays begins June 1 and will run for ten weeks.

The program is being sponsored by the Putnam County Health Coalition in an effort to encourage local citizens to become more active and to help them become better acquainted with a variety of walking paths and trails available in the community. Participants can come alone or bring a friend or family members for a non-competitive 1-mile or 5K walk or run. The program is open to residents of all ages.

Although not timed, participants may check-in and receive recognition for participating in at least seven of the 10 weekly walks. Those who wish to earn a completion certificate can collect stamps on a 2011 Walking Wednesdays Passport, available from the start station the first three weeks.

Persons who participate in seven or more of the ten Walking Wednesdays will receive a completion certificate and be eligible for a prize drawing at the end of the program.

Locations of the walks will include several of the People Pathways, Big Walnut Sports Park and the DePauw Nature Park. Dates and locations are listed on the Walking Wednesdays registration form, which is available at City Hall, the Purdue Extension Office, and Putnam County Library as well as on-line at www.cityofgreencastle.com and www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam.

Persons interested in participating can also register any Wednesday at the start location. The first Walking Wednesday will take place on People Pathways Greencastle/Fillmore Trail starting from the Gazebo on Calbert Way across from the Greencastle Wal-Mart store June 1 between 5-6 p.m. For more information contact Troy Scott at 653-3395 or the Extension Office at 653-8411.

Check the website www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to view the most up to date info. You can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding column topics or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events:

May 25 -- 4-H Photography Workshop, Fairgrounds, 7-8:30 p.m.

June 1 -- State Fair 4-H Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Sheep and Swine registration due

June 1 -- Walking Wednesday Kick-Off 5 p.m. at People Pathways Gazebo across from Wal-Mart

June 2 -- Junior Pork Quality Assurance certification, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

June 8 -- Walking Wednesday - 5 p.m. starts from Big Walnut Sports Park South Shelter

June 9 -- Exploring 4-H Orientation, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

June 13 -- E. H. Leader Lesson "Ways to Relax" 7 p.m. at Extension Office

June 14 -- 4-H Electricity Workshop, Extension Office, 9 a.m.

June 18 -- Super Scarves/Super Saturday at Extension Office 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

June 29 -- "Drying Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs" at Put. Co. Library 7 p.m.

June 30 -- 4-H Electricity Workshop, Extension Office, 1 p.m.

July 1 -- State Fair Cat, Dog, Goat, Horse and Pony, Poultry, and/or Rabbit registration due